Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread
Enjoy Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread (tea loaf) recipe for your next “tea,” along wtih pictures and stories from Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England. WATCH THE VIDEO!
I still have to pinch myself, that I was able to visit Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed, and the little town of Bampton, a couple years ago.
Today I’m sharing a delicious Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread that I was able to enjoy while I visited the castle. And if you love lavendar, try our Banana Lemon Bread with lavendar!
What is tea loaf?
I like to think tea loaf is the same as tea bread, but it’s different. They’re both an English cake, but tea loaf is made with fruit and cinnamon, and traditionally served sliced served with butter. Tea bread is actually “tea buns” to be eaten with tea.
Well, today’s recipe is sort of like a cake, but in the shape of a loaf.
Let’s just call it Lavender Tea Bread :)
Also everyone has been asking about the lavender.
You can use fresh lavender, or you can buy it dried. I mostly use dried, and I buy it from World Market. It’s called “French Lavender” and it comes in a square package in the herb section.
A dream come true!
Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread
I recommend you use fresh ground lavender for this recipe, but you can always double the amount and used dried (just not as flavorful). Also, for a more lemon flavor in the glaze, use lemon juice instead of water.
Can I subsitute the sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of sugar for 1/2 cup of honey + 2 Tablespoons of coconut sugar!
Give it a try!
Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England
Friends, let’s talk “estate.” Since 1679, the castle has been home to the Earls of Carnarvon.
Currently Highclere, the centerpiece of Downton Abbey, is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, but did you know there are over 5000 acres? I would have loved to spend time touring the entire estate!
By 2009, the castle was in dire need of major repair, with only the ground and first floors remaining usable. Water damage had caused stonework to crumble and ceilings to collapse; at least 50 rooms were uninhabitable.
Lord and Lady Carnarvon
The 8th Earl and his family were living in a “modest cottage in the grounds”; he said his ancestors were responsible for the castle’s long term problems.” As of 2009, repairs needed for the entire estate were estimated to cost around $12 million, $1.8 million of which was urgently needed for just the castle.
As of late 2012, Lord and Lady Carnarvon have stated that a dramatic increase in the number of paying visitors has allowed them to begin major repairs on both Highclere’s turrets and its interior. The family attributes this increase in interest to the on-site filming of Downton Abbey. The family now live in Highclere during the winter months, but return to their cottage in the summer, when the castle is open to the public. — from Wikipedia
Lady Fiona was so generous with her time, and at tea, she shared the history behind all the portraits that lined the walls, plus what it was like to live in the castle, raise their son, all her charity work, and … a fun tidbit. Did you know that the Downton “kitchen” was off site, on a set in London? The actual Highclere castle kitchen is now modern, remodeled to accomodate events that take place there.
In the dining room are portraits of Carnarvon ancestors who took part in the civil war in England in the 1640’s.
There are over 5,650 books, the earliest dating from the 16th century. The Library is as much used by the family today as in the past, and is a focal meeting point for drinks and conversation, both before and after lunch and dinner.
Either side displays portraits of Carnarvon ancestors who took part in the civil war in England in the 1640’s.
Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread
Reflecting on my Highclere visit, I hosted a tea in my home. It was simple, lovely, and I hope you enjoy this Lavender Tea Bread today!
The bread is fabulous, and I’m updating this post with a little advice from a reader, who just made the bread and gave me some sage advice. Less is more (when you use dried lavender).
Use a little over a tablespoon in this recipe, and it comes out perfectly.
You can make this in a loaf pan, or 3 small loaf pans.
Downton Abbey Dinner Party Menu
Lori, at RecipeGirl.com, has a Downton Abbey dinner party menu if you’re feeling courageous and want to host a party this week. Do it! And come back and let me know how it goes.
Here’s my post with tea sandwich recipes.
And possibly you’ve tried my Pear Potato Soup recipe? I think Mrs. Patmore would approve!
I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan … I hated that the show had to end. I think at this point my favorite character is Tom. Possibly because he is an Irishman, and I’m married to the most amazing Irishman, or maybe it has something to do with his virtuousness. Maybe they’ll do a spin-off with Tom … what do you think?
Get the Recipe:
Downton Abbey Lavender Tea Bread
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 Tbsp. fresh lavender, finely chopped (or 3-4 tsp. dried)
- 6 Tbsp. butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, or plain or vanilla
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Glaze
- 2/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
- 3 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan (or 3 small pans; 3 1/2 x 6-inch pans).
- Combine the milk and lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a simmer, then remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly.
- With a hand mixer, in a medium mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy; add in Greek yogurt, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gently mix into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk and lavender, until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes (loaf pan). For the 3 small pans, bake for 30 minutes.
- To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla. Poke holes with a fork into each loaf (about 6-8 times per loaf). Spread glaze over hot cake. Cool in pan 20 minutes on a wire rack; remove each loaf from the pan. Cool completely on wire rack.
Highclere Castle photos by TravelChannel.com
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I made this tea bread and everyone loved it. I do have one question, can I make these and freeze them. How long can they stay in the freezer?
You can freeze them before you add icing. I wouldn’t freeze longer than 3 months (well wrapped).
I just made this loaf for a ladies tea and it came out beautifully. It’s perfect for an afternoon tea, not too sweet but still such a treat!
*Thanks for the lovely packaging idea too
Hi: is it ok to substitute fresh lavender for lavender simple syrup? I make latte’s with this. Thank you!
We haven’t tried the syrup, let us know if it works!
I might have to try these out the next time I serve tea.
Just made this cake. I used gluten free flour and I used the fresh lavender from garden leaves and flowers. It was delicious. Slightly gritty because of the gluten free flour. I prefer a lot of glaze so next time I will double it. Definitely a keeper! Thank you
can gluten-free flour be used?
I haven’t tried gluten free flour for this bread, Valerie. Come back and let us know if you try it!
Looking for an answer if it can be made the day before and how to store it?
Yes you can make ahead and cool, then wrap and store on the counter.
Hello! I’m from Mexico City and I Love Downton Abbey and Huge Fan of Lavender!! I made this Bread a Lot of Times and it’s a Huge Hit!! Now I have a question: I use Organic Dried Lavender and I chopped it a little is that ok?? Thanks for an Amazing Recipe!!
Yes! Enjoy!
Even better than I expected it to be. The dough was quite liquide but the cake turned out wonderfully! The lavender Tastes exquisite but not too dominant. One of my favorite cakes!
Hi! Is it possible to use lavender flowers or only leaves?
Give it a try! Let us know if it worked :)
This recipe was my first attempt at making a cake from scratch. Could have been beginner’s luck, but it turned out perfectly. It was light and delicious and didn’t tear up when I took it out of the pan. I will definitely be making this again!
I made this and it turned out absolutely delicious!
Hi, Could I use lavender sugar instead of lavender flowers? Thanks!
I’ve not tried that, but if you do, let us know what the flavor is!
It’s in the oven but can I freeze it? As I made three!
Yes, you can freeze these loaves after they cool!
I left it in for 45 and in the last 10 minutes used the fan in my convection oven and it was still gooey in the inside. Put it in for another 10 minutes to cook through.
Just wondering if you could use a drop of lavender oil from DoTerra instead of the flowers
I haven’t tried that, but if you do, come back and let us know! We can add that into the post.
Hi! Making this recipe for the first time and I see it calls for 1tsp of lemon zest but it doesn’t say in the instructions when to add it. Please advise. Can’t wait to see how this turns out! Thanks!
Hi, yes! Add it into the batter :)
Made this today… it took over an hour to cook but it is sooo good! Love it!
This bread was so delicious! I made it for my final episode get together of Bridgerton and served it with Gin Bramble Cocktails. I thought I would have some left over to enjoy the next day but the five of us dusted it off in record time. I used fresh lavender which made it extra tasty. I also substituted the 1 cup of sugar for 1/2 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar. Just the right amount of sweetness for us. I would make this bread weekly if I had enough lavender leaves but my plants just aren’t big enough yet. Next step is to alter it for my vegan daughter. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you Sandy for posting this recipe!
Did you ever try the recipe vegan? I’m hoping to try it dairy free.
I was quite pleased with this tea bread enjoyed making it and of coarse eating it!
Don’t mean to ask a silly question but are you using lavender flowers or just the lavender leaves.
Lavender leaves! Just made it last night again, so good. We buy French Lavender (whole) leaves at World Market.
THis looks os good! Lavender is such a lovely flavor to compliment tea!
I had been looking for a lavender recipe and made this – it was so delightful! Made a couple tweaks – I added 1/2 tsp lemon zest during the butter and sugar creaming, and 1/2 tsp lemon juice during the wet ingredients phase. After the batter was done I added blueberries to make a Blueberry Lemon Lavender Cake. Thanks for the recipe.
Made this amazing smelling bread today using my home grown lavender out of my garden . Almost coming out of the oven but still was jiggly after 45 minutes in my preheated 325 degree oven . Put it back for 8 more minutes…… waiting …….
I’m the meantime put the icing together using lemon juice and lemon zest . I’m so ready to sink my teeth into Yummiest. Excited about having my family try it . I will post a picture later . For now …….. nom nom nom 🥰 Debbi